With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today .
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
A Well-Organized Bike-Sharing Program Could (Finally) Be On Its Way to Los Angeles County
Photo by tsuacctnt via Flickr
()
Bike-sharing programs are finally on their way to Los Angeles County, but whether they will be well-coordinated and integrated is up to Metro. These programs—which have popped up in Paris, Denver and Minneapolis—allow users to swipe a credit card and rent a bike for a short jaunt from one (hopefully) well-placed bike kiosk to another.
The infamous sprawl of the Southland and its many municipalities makes it a challenge compared to other cities. That's why Metro is hosting meetings to think about the big picture: what would a county-wide bike-sharing program look like?
Already, three cities have plans and funding in the works: Santa Monica, Long Beach and Los Angeles (in downtown and maybe Hollywood). Metro hosted a meeting yesterday to discuss how its role in coordinating and integrating these cities' (and future cities') plans, according to LA Streetsblog.
Metro wants to make sure that cities are able to integrate their technology, according to a handout on its website. That would make the systems more useful if it expands: if Venice one day decided to get into bike-sharing, a well-coordinated system would allow you could take a bike in Venice and drop it off at a kiosk in Santa Monica. Metro also wants to start thinking about bike-sharing, so that it can start looking for funding and set up kiosks at its own stations.
Support for LAist comes from
But Metro’s bike share strategy needs full approval of the board before it becomes policy, Streetsblog reports.
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
The study found recipients spent nearly all the money on basic needs like food and transportation, not drugs or alcohol. -
Kevin Lee's Tokyo Noir has become one of the top spots for craft-inspired cocktails. -
A tort claim obtained by LAist via a public records request alleges the Anaheim procurement department lacks basic contracting procedures and oversight. -
Flauta, taquito, tacos dorados? Whatever they’re called, they’re golden, crispy and delicious. -
If California redistricts, the conservative beach town that banned LGBTQ Pride flags on city property would get a gay, progressive Democrat in Congress. -
Most survivors of January's fires face a massive gap in the money they need to rebuild, and funding to help is moving too slowly or nonexistent.
Best of LAist